Homeless LGBT Youth: A Day In Our Shoes (VIDEO)

A new short documentary by In the Life Media highlights the critical issue of LGBT teen homelessness in New York.

Called “A Day in Our Shoes” the documentary aims to raise awareness of the fact that there are an estimated 3,800 homeless youth in New York City alone and of them about 1,500 identify as LGBT. As previously highlighted at Care2, budget cuts of around 50% have put in jeopardy the vital facilities homeless shelters provide in the state.

Reports suggest that LGBT youth comprise around 40% of the homeless youth population of New York City and according to a 2007 census commissioned by the New York City Council over 1,000 LGBT youth are without shelter every night. Many LGBT youths without shelter are forced to resort to prostitution in order to survive, and approximately 20% become HIV infected. Homeless LGBT youths are also at extraordinary risk of suicide, with 62% admitting to having considered or attempted suicide.

New York’s administration in fact reduced funding for homeless youth this year by 50%, bringing the total money available for homeless youth shelters to $2.35 million. According to recent estimates there needs to be at least an additional $3 million in funding for runaway and homeless youth shelters.

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36 comments

This is ridiculous why are these funds not used to create "permanent solutions" in the form of functioning communities for homeless people, give them the space , give them the funds , let them build their own shelters and homes (maybe even alternative forms ie hobbit houses etc) and let them grow food there so they can be self sustaining .... why has no one thought of doing such a project yet?????There must be enough derelict space available ...

The NEW Mayor better see that he shelters ALL homeless youth at night or be branded a complete hypocrite. 50% funding cut?
Impose a "privilege" tax on the Wall St. 1%ers sucking up City resources without paying taxes, i.e. "legally" manipulating the tax code. ...... It has been decades since "law" was "justice" !

I can't comprehend kicking a child out for any reason. This is heartbreaking! We have taken in a number of our son's friends over the years when their parents kicked them out. We have to change our society, and demand for our government to support our homeless youth! Thank you for the news.